5 Common Causes of Jawbone Deterioration

Jawbone deterioration causes negative effects on both the form and function of the facial structure, and the smile. Here are the most common causes of jawbone thinning or bone deterioration.

Missing teeth

Tooth roots are lost with missing teeth. When tooth roots go missing, the jawbone will not have the stimulation it needs to maintain good bone structure, and will start to deteriorate.

Trauma

When a tooth is knocked out due to trauma, the tooth roots go missing as well. The loss of natural tooth roots causes the jawbone to deteriorate.

Denture use

Removable dentures replace the missing teeth, but do not address the loss of the natural tooth roots. Long-term denture use leads to jawbone thinning.

Severe teeth misalignment

Crooked teeth will grind abnormally against the teeth on the opposite jaw. As a result, the jawbone is subjected to extreme force. This continuous and excessive force can harm the jawbone, and can lead to bone deterioration.